Akshaye Khanna Quit Drishyam 3 Day Before Dhurandhar Release, Signing Amount Paid: Producer

Akshaye Khanna has quit Drishyam 3. His decision became the talk of the town amid the humongous success of Dhurandhar, in which he plays the role of Rehman Dakait. Khanna’s popularity shot up once again

for his performance in the film, especially the viral dance to FA9LA. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed the development in a recent interview. Rumours were rife that Khanna exited Drishyam 3 due to demand for higher remuneration and the need for a wig. Reacting to the speculation, Pathak told a news portal that the actor left the film a day beforeDhurandhar’s release on December 4.

Akshaye exited Drishyam 3 before Dhurandhar's release

Kumar Mangat Pathak told ETimes, “I have no idea why Akshaye took that step. He left Drishyam 3 a day before Dhurandhar’s release on December 4. In the trials itself, he had a fair idea that Dhurandhar would do well. He didn’t quit Drishyam 3 over money issues because he had well predicted and considered Dhurandhar’s success while demanding his fees for Drishyam 3, and that was agreed upon.”

Signing amount paid to Akshaye Khanna

He further revealed, "Akshaye Khanna was paid his signing amount after he was blown away by the script. He hugged director Abhishek Pathak and told him this will easily make 500 crore. After he signed the agreement, his costumes were finalised and paid for. Just 12 days before the shoot was to commence on December 16, I got a text from him saying he wouldn't be doing the film, and we would definitely work together in the future. I tried calling him, but he didn't answer. He has a tendency to go MIA whenever he wants to and I am aware of that side of him, but this is highly unprofessional."

'Wig not the reason behind exit'

Dismissing reports of Akshaye quitting Drishyam 3 over wig demand, the producer shared, “We were also given an excuse that Akshaye quit because he wants to wear a wig, but that doesn't sit well with the narrative. Drishyam 3 begins on the same night as the end of Drishyam 2, and one cannot grow hair in a matter of four hours. Abhishek still said we would take some creative liberties and work that out, but he never came to even discuss these things. At least walk out graciously. How can you not respond to calls and messages? We have known each other for 15 years! Why accept the money in the first place? Our deal was signed and sealed. Before I did Section 375 and Drishyam with him, he was sitting at home for four years. Is this how you behave once your film works? I have been in this industry for 40 years. Success and failure are common, but this behaviour is unethical and unpardonable."

About Drishyam 3

Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced Akshaye in Drishyam 3. The Hindi remake of Mohanlal’s acclaimed Malayalam franchise will be releasing in theatres on October 2, 2026. The film franchise also stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, and Rajat Kapoor.